Venom #15 Review

Flash has a heart-to-heart with Peter.

Venom #15 takes a break from some of the inspired insanity that has filled the series so far to focus on the characters, and it does a pretty good job of it. Be warned, there is not a lot of Venom in this issue. Instead, we get a lot of Flash talking it out with friends and family, but that doesn't keep this from being a really solid book. There is plenty to enjoy, even if it's not all symbiotes and machine guns (although there is some of that, too).

Remender really delivers the goods in this issue. There is a lot going on as Flash tries to manage his life and the cravings to bond with the symboite. His withdrawals from it mirror the withdrawals from alcoholism that also feature prominently in the book. The characters really shine here, with a coffee shop scene and a heartbreaking conversation with a loved one standing out as the books highlights. The dialog is great and it feels genuine. While this series has had a revolving door of artists, Rememder's writing has remained the books strongest selling point and issue #15 reminds us why.

Lan Medina handles the art well enough. Does he bring the same intensity and feelings to the series that guys like Tony Moore and Tom Fowler did? Not really. At times, the characters look great and their feelings and emotions are expressed perfectly. Other times, there is a stiffness that borders on awkward, especially with the female characters. He does, however, absolutely bring it home with the Peter Parker and Flash's conversation. For a scene that just features two dudes sitting, drinking coffee and talking, it looks fantastic.

Benjamin is a writer and storyteller. He owns many leather-bound books and his office smells of rich mahogany. Follow Benjamin on Twitter, or find him on IGN.